Types of Headaches
There are many different headache types. We are going to discuss the three most common types we see in our office. The most common types of headaches include:
- Tension-type headaches (also known as tension headaches or stress headaches)
- Migraine Headaches
-
Cluster Headaches
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are named not only for the role that stress may play in triggering the pain, but also for the contraction of the neck, face, and scalp muscles brought on by stressful events. This is by far the most common type of headache.
A tension headache is a severe (but temporary) form of a muscle-contraction headache. The pain is mild to moderate and feels like pressure is being applied to the head or neck. The headache usually disappears after the period of stress is over.
Migraines
A migraine is a type of vascular headache characterized by severe pain felt on one, and sometimes both, sides of the head. Besides pain, people with migraine headaches may have nausea and vomiting, and may be very sensitive to light and sound.
There are actually several different types of migraines. The two most common types are migraines with aura and migraines without aura. During a migraine with aura, a person has visual symptoms (also called an “aura”) 10 minutes to 30 minutes before an attack. During a migraine without aura, a person does not have an aura, but does have the other migraine symptoms.
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are another type of vascular headache known for their extreme pain and their pattern of occurring in “clusters,” usually at the same time(s) of the day for several weeks.
Nearly a million Americans have cluster headaches. Most people who have cluster headaches are men, usually smokers. Cluster headaches usually start between the ages of 20 and 40, although the syndrome can also start in childhood or late in life.
There are two types of cluster headaches, episodic cluster headaches and chronic cluster headaches.
Comparing the Different Types of Primary Headaches
Below is a table that outlines the different types of primary headaches by characteristics, pain, severity, and other symptoms:
|
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Migraine
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Tension
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Cluster
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Characteristics:
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Throbbing pain, often preceded by an aura; more prevalent in women
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Steady ache
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Severe, coming in groups over weeks or months, mainly attack men
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Pain in:
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One or both sides of head
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Both sides of head
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One side of head, often centering around one eye
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Severity:
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Mild, moderate, or severe
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Mild or moderate
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Very severe
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Other symptoms:
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May experience sensitivity to light, sound, and odors; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; visual disturbances; a fever, chills, aching, sweats
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None
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Nasal congestion, drooping eyelids, watery and teary eyes
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